A CARVED CINNABAR LACQUER 'LYCHEE' BOX AND COVER, MING DYNASTY, 16TH CENTURY

A CARVED CINNABAR LACQUER 'LYCHEE' BOX AND COVER

MING DYNASTY, 16TH CENTURY

明十六世紀 剔紅荔枝紋蓋盒



the box with steep, rounded sides rising from a short stepped foot, the high, domed cover also with steep walls rising to a flat medallion top, the cinnabar-lacquered exteriors each carved in varying layers with lychee fruits in multiple patterned skins borne on leafing branches over a diaper ground, between keyfret and stylized lappet bands, the interiors and base covered in black lacquer (2)

Height 4¾ in., 12 cm